Philadelphia 76ers vs Miami Heat NBA Spread Pick, 3–8–2018
Free NBA Spread Pick by Corey Watt of Sports Picks Forum
Philadelphia 76ers vs Miami Heat
NBA: Thursday, March 8th 7:30 PM EST
Odds: Heat +1, 208.5
Two teams that stand firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff picture meet up in Miami Thursday night when the Heat host the Sixers. The Heat pulled off a close win over the Sixers on February 27th, 102–101 and pushed the -1 point spread. Vegas lists the Heat as +1 point home favorites in tonight’s matchup.
Philadelphia had little trouble with Charlotte on Tuesday night beating the Hornets 128–114 and covering the -1.5 point spread on the road. The Sixers have a dangerous offense that appears to be gaining momentum as the season matures, averaging 107.9 points per game. Philadelphia is 1st in rebounding with 46.6 offensive boards and 5th with 41.7 defensive rebounds. Ben Simmons (16.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 7.6 assists ) and Joel Embid (23.6 points and 11.1 rebounds ) are the two young stars that lead this team but they are supported by a fine group of veteran players. The Sixers and the Heat have split (2–2) the last four meetings.
Miami lost a close one to Washington in OT, 113–117. Over the last ten games, the heat has played .500 basketball. The Miami Heat are averaging 101.9 points and are led by Goran Dragic (17 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.9 APG). Hassan Whiteside had 15 PPG and 11 RPG in his last meeting vs the Sixers and it seems that Whiteside and Embid have developed a friendly rivalry. This works to the benefit of Whiteside who often appears disinterested at times during games. Miami plays solid defense that allows 102.2 PPG which ranks them 4th in the NBA.
These two teams are pretty evenly matched and the last three meetings this season have been decided by a total of 9 points. The Sixers have won two of three this season at home. The Sixers have won 7 of 10 but they are (3–3 SU) over this span on the road. Miami plays the Sixers tough and the Sixers aren’t the same team on the road as at home. However, the Sixers have made some nice moves recently picking up Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova who provide valuable minutes off the bench and a veteran presence in the locker room that will pay off down the stretch. I like the Sixers in a close game and advise taking them as -1 point road favorites.
Sixers vs Heat FREE Pick: Sixers -1
